Which Cambridge English Exam Is Right for You?

A guide by Trilingo Idiomas – your official Cambridge Centre in Vélez-Málaga, Spain

If you’re learning English and thinking about taking a Cambridge English exam, you’re in great hands. At Trilingo Idiomas, we prepare students of all ages and levels for official Cambridge qualifications. As a certified Cambridge Exam Preparation Centre, we know how important it is to choose the right exam for your goals.

Whether you’re learning for work, study, travel, or personal satisfaction, Cambridge English exams give you a clear, recognised qualification that proves your level and opens doors worldwide.

But where should you start?

Cambridge English Exams at a Glance

Cambridge English exams are based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) an internationally recognised scale that runs from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). Each exam focuses on real-life communication and tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Here’s a quick look at the main Cambridge exams:

Exam Name	CEFR Level	Ideal For
A1 Movers A2 Key	A1 A2	Young Learners Beginners, younger learners, or adults new to English
B1 Preliminary	B1	Teenagers, adults, or professionals at intermediate level
B2 First	B2	Students planning to study abroad or work in English-speaking environments
C1 Advanced	C1	University students, job seekers, or professionals in demanding roles
C2 Proficiency	C2	Those needing near-native fluency for academic or senior professional settings

Understanding how Cambridge exams correspond to CEFR Levels

Each Cambridge English exam corresponds to a CEFR level. Here’s what that really means in everyday terms.

General and Education

A1 – Young Learners

Exam: A1 Movers

A child can understand basic instructions and take part in simple conversations, and write notes.
✅ Great for: Young Learners – everyone gets a certificate, it’s all about celebrating achievements.

A2 – Elementary

Exam: A2 Key
You can understand and use basic phrases, ask and answer questions about personal topics, and interact in simple situations.
✅ Great for: Teenagers, adult beginners, or students finishing basic English courses.

B1 – Intermediate

Exam: B1 Preliminary
You can deal with most everyday situations, write simple texts, and express opinions on familiar topics.
✅ Great for: Students looking to travel, work part-time abroad, or move on to more advanced study.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Exam: B2 First
You can understand the main ideas of complex texts, communicate fluently with native speakers, and write clear, detailed content.
✅ Great for: University applications, Erasmus or study-abroad programmes, and professional roles requiring English.

C1 – Advanced

Exam: C1 Advanced (CAE)
You can handle academic or professional-level English, write essays, follow lectures, and take part in high-level discussions.
✅ Great for: Applying to English-speaking universities or jobs where advanced communication is essential.

C2 – Proficiency

Exam: C2 Proficiency (CPE)
You understand everything you read or hear, can summarise and debate complex ideas, negotiate and persuade effectively at senior management level, and express yourself with precision and subtlety.
✅ Great for: Academic research, publishing, law, or leadership roles in international companies.

For Business and Professional Use

If you’re aiming to use English in your professional life, Cambridge offers Business English certificates that cater specifically to the demands of the workplace.

B1 Business Preliminary: For those who need to use English in everyday business settings, such as customer service or basic office tasks.

B2 Business Vantage: For professionals aiming to advance in their careers, with a focus on clear communication in meetings, emails, and negotiations.

C1 Business Higher: For those who need a higher level of proficiency to operate in a senior role, such as leadership positions or international business dealings.
✅ Great for: professionals who need to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English within the business world.

How to Choose the Right Exam for Your Goals

At Trilingo Idiomas, we always recommend choosing your exam based on your current level and what you want to achieve.

For example, if your current level is A1/A2 and you want to achieve B1, we would advise taking an intensive A2 before starting a B1 course. There is nothing worse than floundering in a class above your level, we want you to feel comfortable and confident in class.

Studying in English?

If you’re planning to study at a university abroad, most require at least B2 First. Top universities may ask for C1 Advanced or even C2 Proficiency.

Working in English?

For many jobs in tourism, sales, or admin, B1 Preliminary or B2 First may be enough. For corporate roles or international business, aim for C1 Advanced or the Business certificates at B1, B1 and C1.

Travelling or moving abroad?

You’ll find life much easier with at least B1 level, especially if you need to arrange housing, open bank accounts, or attend appointments in English.

Just improving your English?

If you’re learning for personal growth, there’s no pressure! Start with a goal that suits your level and build confidence step by step.

 

How We Can Help at Trilingo Idiomas

We don’t just prepare you; we know the exams. As an official Cambridge Centre, we offer:

✅ Personalised level assessments
✅ Mock exams and official exam sessions
✅ Classes designed for teens, adults & professionals

Because we’re based in Spain, we also understand the challenges Spanish speakers face when learning English, and how to overcome them.

Ready to Find Your Level?

Visit us at Trilingo Idiomas for a free level test and let’s map out the best path for your English success. Whether you want your child to get a headstart with a Young Learners course, you’re starting with A2 or aiming for C2, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to book your assessment and start your Cambridge journey with confidence.